Zebra Mussel

Dreissena polymorpha

The Zebra Mussel is a small freshwater mollusk with striped shells. They attach to hard surfaces in lakes and rivers. Zebra Mussels can be harmful to the environment.

Habitat: Freshwater

Appearance

The Zebra Mussel has a distinctive D-shaped or triangular shell, typically measuring 0.5-4 cm. Its shell features a unique pattern of alternating dark and light zigzag stripes, resembling a zebra's markings. It often appears in dense clusters.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumMolluscaClassBivalviaOrderVeneroidaFamilyDreissenidaeGenusDreissena

Zebra Mussel

Interesting facts

A single female Zebra Mussel can lay over one million eggs in just one year!

They arrived in North America in the 1980s, hidden in the ballast water of ships!

They attach so tightly to surfaces that removing them often causes damage underneath!

Zebra Mussels can survive out of water for several days if conditions are humid!

Special abilities

Zebra Mussels can securely attach to almost any hard surface using strong byssal threads because this helps them resist water currents.

Zebra Mussels can filter large volumes of water by consuming plankton, helping to clarify their aquatic environment.

Zebra Mussels have a high reproductive rate and rapid growth that helps them quickly spread and dominate new habitats.

Zebra Mussels have a hard, protective shell that helps them defend against predators and resist physical damage.

Measurements & details

Size: 5-40 mm
Lifespan: 1095-1825 days
Leg Count: 0

Diet & Feeding

They eat tiny floating organisms, helping to clear the water around them.

Primary Foods

Phytoplankton
Zooplankton
Algae
Bacteria
Suspended organic matter

Foraging Method

Filter Feeding

Ecological connections

eaten by

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

This diving duck consumes many zebra mussels as a food source.

eaten by

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Larger perch and other fish sometimes prey on zebra mussels.

eats

Blue-green algae

Microcystis aeruginosa

Filters vast amounts of this microscopic algae from the water column.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Filter Feeder

Discover amazing animals that filter their food right from the water! They have special ways to strain tiny bits of plants or other creatures to eat.

Freshwater

Discover animals and plants that live in non-salty water, like rivers, lakes, and ponds! These watery homes are vibrant with life.

Invasive

Sometimes, plants or animals move to a new place where they don't naturally belong. They can grow so much that they make it hard for the native plants and animals to thrive.